Journal.

In issue 747 of the Sea-Intelligence Sunday Spotlight , we analysed the operational performance of 75 major global container ports, to quantify the relationship between network connectivity and schedule reliability. The data revealed a distinct "Complexity Trap" for the world's largest hubs, offering unmatched connectivity but limited schedule reliability. Figure 1 plots the 2025-Q4 UNCTAD connectivity score (PLSCI) against schedule reliability for June to November 2025. The

In issue 746 of the Sea-Intelligence Sunday Spotlight , we analysed the capacity deployment trends in the 10 weeks leading up to Chinese New Year (CNY) 2026. By indexing deployed capacity against a stabilised pre-peak baseline, we identified a significant deviation from historical norms. The data indicates that shippers have adopted a "front-loading" strategy on the Asia-North Europe trade, likely to mitigate the impact of extended transit times. Figure 1 illustrates the magn

In issue 745 of the Sea-Intelligence Sunday Spotlight, we analysed the operational stability of the Asia-North America and Asia-Europe trade lanes, by measuring "operational capacity churn" – the sum of the total capacity entering and exiting a trade lane. This metric serves as a proxy for volatility, quantifying the scale of changes in carriers’ vessel deployments. The data for 2025 shows a significant structural shift, where carriers have moved from stable vessel deployment

In issue 744 of the Sea-Intelligence Sunday Spotlight , we analysed the displacement of global vessel capacity, tracking over 16,000 vessel transfers across 2024 and 2025. The data indicates that the "Cascading Effect" – where tonnage shifts from primary to secondary trade lanes – has entered a distinct new phase in 2025-2H. While 2024 was characterized by an injection of capacity into Asia-Europe to manage the Red Sea crisis, current data shows that these trades have reached

In issue 742 of the Sea-Intelligence Sunday Spotlight, we analysed the 2025-Q3 financial performance of the major global shipping lines. The results mark a correction from the disruption-fuelled highs of 2024, with the combined EBIT of the reporting carriers falling to USD 5.12bn – a sharp decline from the USD 17.06bn recorded in 2024-Q3. That said, despite the double-digit freight rate drops, the market floor has not fallen through; profitability remains well above the pre-p

In issue 740 of the Sea-Intelligence Sunday Spotlight , we analysed the laden import volume throughput of the major North America West Coast (NAWC) ports, through the first three quarters of 2025. Our analysis revealed a significant divergence in handled volumes: while Canadian ports performed in line with their pre-pandemic benchmarks, all major US West Coast ports underperformed. Amid this regional underperformance, the Port of Los Angeles successfully consolidated its posi

In issue 739 of the Sea-Intelligence Sunday Spotlight , we analysed the Transatlantic Westbound trade, finding that, as things stand, it is poised for a sharp decline in vessel utilisation. The Transatlantic Westbound trade is already under significant pressure. Spot rates from Rotterdam to New York are now lower than at any point in the measurable past, apart from the extreme dip in late 2023. This is compounded by weakening demand, with demand growth turning negative Y/Y in

In issue 738 of the  Sea-Intelligence Sunday Spotlight , we analysed the competitive landscape of schedule reliability among the top 20 global container shipping lines since 2011. While cargo owners often focus on the overall industry average, the difference in performance between carriers is a key measure of competitive differentiation.  Our analysis shows that despite significant market consolidation, the spread between the most and least reliable carriers has increased sub

With the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in issue 737 of the Sea-Intelligence Sunday Spotlight , we modelled the potential impact on container shipping should shipping lines resume the Suez Canal transit. It must be stressed that our analysis does not predict when that re-opening might occur, considering that the Houthis have not yet declared a ceasefire, and that the lines did not switch back to the Suez routing during the last ceasefire. Instead, what we have don

In issue 736 of the Sea-Intelligence Sunday Spotlight , we analysed the strategic positioning of the major carrier alliances following the significant restructuring in early 2025. With the new networks now stable, our analysis uses operated capacity market share as a proxy for market influence. The data, tracked using an 8-week rolling average to smooth out operational volatility, reveals that Ocean Alliance is not just leading, but actively consolidating its dominance on Tra

In issue 734 of the Sea-Intelligence   Sunday Spotlight , we conducted a deep dive into the future global supply/demand balance for the...

In issue 733 of the Sea-Intelligence Sunday Spotlight, we analysed the acceleration of blank sailings for the upcoming Golden Week...

In issue 731 of the Sea-Intelligence   Sunday Spotlight , we analysed the impact of the 2025 carrier alliance reshuffle on Europe’s major...

In issue 729 of the Sea-Intelligence Sunday Spotlight, we analysed the current level of announced blank sailings for the upcoming 2025...

In issue 728 of the Sea-Intelligence Sunday Spotlight, we analysed the performance of US ports during the sharp contraction of laden...

In issue 727 of the Sea-Intelligence Sunday Spotlight , we analysed the "trade whiplash" effect — a violent boom-bust cycle in US imports...

In issue 726 of the Sea-Intelligence Sunday Spotlight we analyse the weekly capacity offered on individual liner services and find it has...

In issue 725 of the Sea-Intelligence Sunday Spotlight , we review the developments in capacity market shares of the current top-10...

In issue 724 of the Sea-Intelligence Sunday Spotlight, using the latest vessel deployment data, we show that the capacity surge on the...

In issue 723 of the Sea-Intelligence Sunday Spotlight, we analyse the dramatic reversal in years of progress in reducing the container...